Stevenage · Luton · Hatfield
Warriorz Performing Arts Academy teaches dance and performing arts to ages three to adult across three Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire studios. Founded and led by choreographer Zara Richards, whose choreography credits include Tems, Charly Black, Will Smith and Davido, and who has performed at the Commonwealth Games and the BRIT Awards.
The classes
Every class sits in one of three streams, so you always know what your child is walking into. 27 classes a week across three studios. A £1 trial class is always available before you commit.
These classes build the dancers' confidence, focusing on multiple different styles under the umbrella of street dance. Open to all ages, abilities and levels — we run beginner, intermediate and advanced.
12 classes a week Book a trial
For dancers who want to take competitions more seriously. Classes focus on foundations and freestyle, building the confidence to freestyle and preparing dancers to compete. We prepare solos and duos, and run an invite-only crew section. Opportunities include weekenders, UK Nationals and World Championships.
9 classes a week Book a trial
Lyrical, tap, and performing arts with Leanne, alongside street, so the training is complete. For dancers building toward a career in performance.
5 classes a week Book a trialMonday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Saturday
Monday
Times shown are the current weekly timetable. Every class runs from the same booking system you already use, so nothing about how you book changes.
The styles
We teach the full grammar of street and commercial dance, plus the technique and performing arts training that turns a hobby into a career. Cross-train across styles or specialise — both pathways are supported.
Born in the Bronx, New York, in the early 1970s — made at block parties before it ever reached a studio.
The umbrella our general classes sit under: “multiple different styles under the umbrella of street dance.”
Zara, August 2026 Book a class
The studio language of music videos, tours and adverts — built to read to a camera and a back row.
The work Zara is booked for: choreography for Tems, Charly Black, Will Smith and Davido. Performed at the Commonwealth Games and the BRIT Awards.
Warriorz team profiles Book a class
Rooted in West African social dance, and today in the Afrobeats club styles of Ghana and Nigeria.
Zara has danced Afro Nation. What she brings back goes into the room here.
Warriorz team profiles Book a class
New York, early 1970s — the original street form. Toprock, footwork, freezes and power, born at the same block parties as hip-hop.
Foundation for the crews: the freezes and footwork competition dancers drill before they freestyle.
Current timetable Book a class
Harlem, mid-2000s. Fast, light footwork with hat and shoe tricks worked into the steps.
Crew material. Our crews train across every site and compete as solo, duo and crew.
Zara, August 2026 Book a class
Fresno, California, in the 1970s — muscle contractions hit hard on the beat, everything else held still.
Zara, on the phone in August: “We actually specialise in popping as well.”
Zara, August 2026 Book a class
Los Angeles disco floors in the 1970s — fast whipping arm rotations and sharp poses struck on the beat.
Arm control and musicality: the part of freestyle that still reads from the back of a room.
Zara, August 2026 Book a class
A 1990s form: ballet and jazz technique used to carry the lyric of a song rather than the count.
Zara’s own steer for this site: “We do more lyrical than tap.”
Zara, August 2026 Book a class
Kingston, Jamaica, from the late 1970s — social dance built on the riddim, each step named by the community that made it.
Taught in the room by Jojo, alongside Afro, house and hip-hop.
Warriorz team profiles Book a class
Chicago club floors in the early 1980s — jacking, lofting and footwork built on top of house music.
Speed and footwork feed straight into Freestyle & Foundations.
Current timetable Book a class
Gymnastic floor work brought into dance — rolls, handsprings, aerials and, before any of it, how to land.
U9 and 9+ Tricks & Tumble, Monday evenings at Stevenage, coached by Nadine Scarlett — Level 2 Women’s Artistic gymnastics.
Current timetable Book a class
Nineteenth-century America, where Irish step dancing and African rhythm met and became one thing.
Tap and Lyrical, Monday nights at Hatfield. Tap on its own, Tuesdays at Stevenage.
Current timetable Book a classDrag to explore · it keeps rolling
The school in numbers
Who teaches
Between them they have worked the BRIT Awards, the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony, Glastonbury, Paris Fashion Week and a film with Sandra Bullock — and every one of them will be in a Warriorz studio this week, teaching children. Two of them grew up in these studios and came back to teach in them.
Founder & Dance Director
Founded Warriorz in 2013. Choreographer and movement director. Trained at Broadway Dance Center in New York and Millennium Studio in Los Angeles.
The wider team
Leanne Dunstan
Acting, Singing & Performing Arts
EastEnders (BBC) · The Dumping Ground (BBC), series lead · Holby City · Song for Marion
Josh Richards
Resident Teacher
Glastonbury & Reading headline — Stormzy · BRIT Awards · Vogue World, Paris Fashion Week
Jahnel Riley
Crew Choreographer · 12 years at Warriorz
Practical Magic 2 — Sandra Bullock · BRIT Awards — Lizzo · Commonwealth Games
Charlie Hurry
Dance Teacher · Warriorz alumna
Boy Blue — Barbican Theatre · The Royal Ballet School, Junior Associates · Millennium LA
Chenai Louise
Dance Teacher
Commonwealth Games — Mahalia · Davido, Timeless Tour · Sinach — OVO Arena Wembley
Monet Knight
Dance Teacher
Bird College — Bring It On! · Move It Main Stage · Lead Dancer, Tales of Beatrix Potter
Nadine Scarlett
Tricks & Tumble Coach
Level 2 Coach, Women's Artistic Gymnastics · Regional Champion · National Schools Tumbler
Jojo
Dance Teacher
Uniek Grace — O2 Academy · Tab London · Mabel Lounge, immersive production
The professional work
This is not just a dance school. The work our founder and our teachers are booked for is the same work our dancers grow up to be booked for. Parents choose the school whose people already do the job.
Are you ready to be a Warrior? →
“As somebody who has been living in Stevenage my entire life, dance was a hobby for me at first, and I want to encourage young people that if you've got a dream you should chase it.”
Zara Richards — on being one of 70 dancers chosen from over 10,000 for Barbie
Where our people have worked
The people who hold the credits — and the work itself.
The competition record
Warriorz dancers compete at UDO, XDC and BDO events across the country, as solos, duos and crews. These are the results boards, photographed on the day.
Second at the
World Championships.
United Dance Organisation · Duo
Two of our dancers took second place in their duo category on the UDO World stage. Most academies with a record like this write it in a sentence. We can show you the board.
Italy · 2026
It starts with a class in Stevenage and it does not stop at the county line. Our dancers have competed and performed abroad.
Camps & workshops
Our camps are funded by HAF, the government's holiday activities scheme. If your child is entitled to free school meals, their place is free. Paid places are also available.
Half-term · every school holiday
A full day, properly looked after. We split the group by level so absolute beginners dance together and children who have danced before dance together. Days mix dance, performing arts, and arts and crafts. A snack at break, lunch at lunchtime. Physical activity, enrichment, and time spent building confidence and self-esteem in a group. Camps are usually themed.
Summer holidays
The same as our half-term camp, across the summer break. Grouped by level, dance and performing arts and crafts through the day, snack and lunch included, and the same focus on confidence in a group setting. Funded by HAF on the same terms.
Workshops · in-house and external
We bring in professional industry coaches to share their knowledge and their passion with the students. Workshop places are bookable first come, first served. We also deliver workshops externally, out to other dance schools and companies, alongside our in-house sessions with guest teachers.
Camp days are broader than dance — crafts, games and enrichment alongside the dancing.
Awards night
Warriorz runs an annual awards night — the whole school, properly dressed, celebrating a year of work. Very few academies of this size do it, and it is one of the things dancers remember longest.
Watch the awards night footage →
Bookings
Separate from the school, and available to anyone. First dances taught properly, dance birthday parties run end to end, and performers booked for events.
Weddings
Choreographed to your song, taught at your pace, in as many sessions as you need to feel ready.
Birthdays
Dance parties run by the academy’s own instructors. Ask us and we will send the details over.
Events
Professional dancers and performance acts booked for events, corporate activations and celebrations.
Film & content
The academy does not only rehearse the piece. We concept it, shoot it and edit it — a branded event delivered end to end, with the film as the output. Our dancers are in the work, on a real set, with real crew.
On set — a Warriorz production in progress.
See the showreel — concept film, awards night, the 2026 advert →Warriorz kit
Hoodies, vests, rain jackets and kit bags in the Warriorz colours. Dancers wear their kit to class, to competitions and to camps. Ask at the studio.
Parent reviews
Anyone looking for a dance teacher that's not just amazing at dance but also passionate about the kids development..... Zara and Warriorz is your place! We travel over an hour to get to Zara for my 5 year old, because she's just so so worth it. My daughters dance skills have improved so much and it's clear how much passion Zara has and how invested she is in all of the kids, it makes all the difference. I also love how many opportunities there are for the kids to take part in competitions, events and any other opportunities for the kids to perform, have fun and compete too. I think we all love watching our kids doing things like this! 100% reccomend Warriorz and Zara!
Shelley Hacketttap
We've been involved with Warriorz since 2021 and my eldest has thrived due to the training and confidence building he received. He's now actively pursuing a career in the entertainment industries and has a commitment and work ethic which started to develop with his training with the Warriorz Team. My 8 year old is now also dancing with Warriorz and her growth as a dancer, confidence and socialising with new people is amazing. The students all genuinely care about each other and support each other - that starts from the top with Zara instilling this into them. I recommend them to anybody whose child is interested in dance and performing arts.
Krystle Newelltap
My daughter attends Warriorz and since the start she has absolutely loved it! Zara is a fantastic teacher and genuinely cares about the children like they're her own! My daughters knowledge of dance has developed so much and her confidence even more so. Its a great dance academy where the opportunities for the children are endless and you can see how much they all love to be there! Thank you Warriorz!!
Kattap
We joined last year as part of a 12 week free trial for local children. My daughter WOULD NOT dance even at home 🙈 since joining Warriorz her confidence has lifted and continued to lift ❤ Zara is an absolute inspiration to these children, especially mine and to me too! Thank-you for helping Tilly-Mae to grow and blossom in an amazingly supportive, diverse and creative environment
tilly-mae davistap
Both my children attend here. It's the best thing I have done. Zara is amazing with the children and caters for all their needs. She really brings out their confidence and gives them amazing opportunities. There are lots of performances to watch your children shine. It's definitely a must.
Ayesha Collinstap
My son started his journey with Warriorz nearly 2 years ago and he just loves every single minute spent with his dance friends and friendly teachers. His growth and confidence is unbelievable in fact he was very shy boy. The Warriorz helped him to grow and build his confidence. I would truly recommend this school. My son's words "once you join Warriorz you'll never leave" :):)
Ewelina Zarebatap
U8's streetdance: I had a few people tell me all about warriorz. I was hesitant about street dance, but recently, my child has taken a liking to Monster High, and will copy the dancers and following the moves perfectly so I knew it would be the perfect place. Seeing my child tonight during the lesson at warriorz confirmed that we chose the right dance school. To see my child completely authentically themselves, see the confidence shine through honestly, thank you!! This is what it is all about. Boosting children's self-esteem and confidence as well as teaching the art of dance. I wish we came here sooner.
Nicola Harristap
Both my sons attend warriorz and I am so glad that they do. They have been welcomed into a friendly and diverse family that gives focus and support to every single member. Both of my boys have grown in confidence and have tried new things - whether it be a different style, working with new dancers or entering competitions - all of which was made possible by the consistent support, encouragement and deducation off all the teachers and staff. No one gets left behind. Everyone can succeed. Everyone supports each other. This is a fabulous dance and performing arts school.
K hrntap
This place is amazing my kid has being coming for 1 year now and she is now amazing at dance Zara is so king and caring my kid has so many new friends now well done Zara!
Katie Martintap
Great dance school where children can not just learn how to dance, but gain confidence and meet like minded people and make friends 😁
Gosia Ptap
If you looking for a dance school with a professional dedicated and caring teacher look no further warriorz is the dance school you are looking for. My son has been in this school for 1 year and we can see a lot his improvement. More confident and better dancer. Cant wait to see what the future brings him in warriorz.
Odilia Castrotap
My daughters confidence has grown since she has started in October 21, Zara is fantastic with the children, highly recommend
Kay Rothtap
My daughters recently started dancing with the WARRIORZ team, and I am so impressed by the development in the children. Absolutely recommend for any parents!!
Ernest Gikumatap
Provides a safe place for dancing for different ages, very friendly group .
Jayne Dymoketap
Amazing dancers and teachers.
Melissa Joseph-Lawrencetap
I've been with Warriorz since the school first started and a student of Zara Richards long before that. It has only helped me grow as a performer, providing me with so many opportunities to actually experience what it's like to be in the industry. It helps prepare you for what is to come if you wish to pursue a career in the arts, it is also a great place to just have fun and make new friends. Zara has always made it a mission of hers to support her students first and foremost, something that is quite evident when seeing long term students thrive throughout her tutelage.
Charli-Jean Langenhoventap
I have been dancing with Warriorz since I was 12 and I have found myself as a person and as a dancer because of the amazing people there. I have travelled with Warriorz to different countries to compete and hope to do more in the future. Zara is an amazing teacher and Warriorz altogether is one big loving family . I would 100% recommend it to anyone looking to Pursue dance .
Jahnel Rileytap
A dance and performing arts school with a rich diversity in pupils, a strong mentoring ethos in confidence building, discipline and fun in a professional environment.
Vyonne Richardstap
I love watching my sister dance in the hall
Blossom Rileytap
Safeguarding & trust
Every tumble and every trick is spotted by a coach until the dancer can do it alone. Safety here is something you can watch happening in the room, not only a policy on a page.
DBS checked
Every teacher who works with children holds an enhanced DBS certificate.
Insured & first-aid trained
Full public liability cover. Lead teachers paediatric first-aid trained. Risk assessments on file for every class.
Drop-off & collection
Strict signed drop-off and collection protocol. No child leaves the studio without a named adult.
Visit us
Our home studio, and where most of the timetable lives. Nineteen classes a week, Monday through Saturday, from under-eights right up to the adult street class. It is the low white building on Sish Lane, directly opposite Aldi — park in the Aldi car park and you are thirty seconds away.
Our Saturday morning studio in Luton, in the hall at Chantry Primary Academy on Lewsey Farm. Four classes back to back, from the under-eights street class first thing through to the 9+ choreography class after midday.
Our Monday evening studio, in the sports hall at Hatfield Leisure Centre on Travellers Lane. Four classes in a row, street through to tap and lyrical, with crew training in the middle. There is parking on site.
The room
Between the trophies and the timetable, this is the part parents ask about most — whether their child will belong here. This is a normal week.
Try a class
Every new dancer gets a £1 trial class before joining a term. No pressure. Find your level, meet the teachers, see the studio. We will reply within 24 hours.
What happens next. Booking takes you to our class page, where you pick a day and reserve a place. You will get a confirmation straight away. If you would rather just ask a question first, message on WhatsApp — that reaches us quickest.
